KING OF LINCOLN PARK (Kings of the Castle #7) by Martha Kennerson-a review

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Grant Khambrel, a sexy, successful architect, worked hard to build a thriving business only to have it threatened by mistake that someone has laid at his door. The man who raised Grant after his parents died, made arrangements for Grant to receive the funds necessary to start a lucrative construction company. Soon Grant learns the money came from questionable means with strings attached; strings that took him years to cut and bury. After winning a multi-million dollar contract to renovate the United Center in Chicago, his bid comes under fire when rumors of improper business ethics arise. Grant is blackmailed by a powerful local politician for access and control of something money can’t buy, but will cost him everything if he gives in.

Autumn Knight, the beautiful Administrative Director of the United Center, grew up around both sides of Chicago politics. Her father, a local real estate tycoon and powerful Alderman, believes he should financially benefit from the good works he provides to his community. Autumn loves her father, but disagrees with how he operates and refuses to follow his path. Her career requires interaction with the new architect selected by her father’s committee. When Grant and Autumn meet, their chemistry is overwhelming, and they’re eager to explore their romantic possibilities. Unfortunately, lies and secrets threaten the future they both believe is possible.

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REVIEW: KING OF LINCOLN PARK by Martha Kennerson is the seventh instalment in the multi-author / multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romantic, suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is King of Lincoln Park, architect Grant Khambrel, and twenty-eight year old, administrative director of the United Center Autumn Knight’s story line. KING OF LINCOLN PARK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For fans of Martha Kennerson, there is a cross-over with the characters Meeks Montgomery and the Blake Sisters from the author’s Protecting the Heiress, Seducing the Heiress, and Tempting the Heiress.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grant and Autumn) KING OF LINCOLN PARK follows architect Grant Khambrel in the wake of winning the bid to renovate and upgrade the United Center, a win that places Grant in the direct line of fire when a dirty alderman, and his goons, threaten the vendors Grant is hoping to hire. Enter Autumn Knight, the administrative director of the United Center, as well as the daughter of the James Knight, the alderman in question. As Grant embarks on hiring his team, the Kings will come under a different kind of threat, when the historical society demands control of the Castle.

Autumn Knight is aware of her father’s questionable ethics but is shocked to learn, to what depths, he is willing to secure his power. From threatening would-be admirers or choosing the men with whom Autumn can date, Alderman James Knight is a force to be reckoned, a force that stands in the way of Grant current plans.

The relationship between Grant and Autumn is one of instant attraction but an attraction tempered by issues of trust, and Alderman Knight’s unethical control. Grant knows that Autumn is his happily ever after but Autumn has yet to realize to what depth her father controls everything he touches. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the Kings of the Castle play secondary and supporting roles including Daron and Jai, and several of the young Knights (Hiram , Falcon, Michael, Ryan, Kevin). We are introduced to Grant’s uncle Ben and his partner Sam, Autumn’s administrative assistant Jenna Lowe, community activist Mark Nadler, Alderman James Knight and his right hand man Richmond Kane, as well as security specialist Meeks Montgomery.

KING OF LINCOLN PARK is a fast paced, intriguing and revealing story line wherein not only does Grant struggle to regain control but the Castle, itself, is threatened by an outside source. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are colorful and energetic. KING OF LINCOLN PARK is a wonderful addition to the Kings of the Castle series.

Previous reviews and reading order
KINGS OF THE CASTLE
King of Chatham
King of Evanston
King of Devon
King of Morgan Park
King of South Shore
King of Lincoln Park
King of Hyde Park
King of Lawndale

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy